DTO ScholarshipS

Every year, DTO awards three, $2500 scholarships for students pursuing a college degree in a natural resources related field.  Applicants must live in Coos, Douglas and Lane counties.

 

THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS OPEN -- DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS FRIDAY, MAY 6th BY 5 PM

DTO SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

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Wood products are a major component of the manufacturing and building industry and are an important part of the local, national and global economy. There continues to be a growing job demand for forestry professionals.

 

DTO is proud to support the Umpqua Community College Forestry & Natural Resources Program, which prepares students for:

 

  • transfer to the bachelor’s degree program at Oregon StateUniversity; or, 

  • The two-year degree at Umpqua Community College may provide a direct career pathway to employment as a Forest Technician or Engineering Technician.

 

2021 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Four scholarships in the amount of $2500 were awarded to Colton Fuller, Jake Gerrard, Justin Helgren and Steven Moss. One $1000 scholarship was awarded to Jacob Mitchell.

  • COLTON FULLER – from Days Creek, OR. Colton’s field of study is Forest Management and Forest Restoration and Fire. Both have had a big impact on his life as he and his family were negatively impacted by the two Bland Mountain fires and the Stouts Creek fire. He says, “fire is becoming more prevalent on our landscapes, it is crucial to understand the forest management that affects these fires.” Colton attends the College of Forestry at Oregon State University.
     

  • JAKE GERRARD – Drain, OR. Jake has chosen to major in Forest Management. He has had a deep appreciation for forests beginning at a very young age, working on his family's tree farm. He plans to get his Associates at Umpqua Community College and then transfer to Oregon State University to complete his Bachelor's Degree. Besides becoming a professional forester, his long-term goal is to manage Oregon forests to the best of his ability for future generations to come.
     

  • JUSTIN HELGREN – Drain, OR. Justin is pursuing a degree in Forest Management. He is currently attending Oregon State University and will graduate with his Bachelor’s Degree in the Spring of 2022. His goal is to become a forester for a private timber company in the Pacific Northwest. Along with becoming a forester, he plans to continue to work with community outreach programs and spread the message that tree farming is sustainable forestry practices and is a benefit to not only our own communities through economic and recreational benefits, but a benefit to the entire world in that safe and effective tree farming allows us to reduce our carbon footprint and promote a healthier and cleaner planet.
     

  • JACOB MITCHELL – North Bend, OR. Jacob says, “I feel fortunate that I decided on a career path at a fairly young age, and that I have been able to focus throughout this pandemic on achieving my goal: to work in the forestry/natural resources field. As an avid outdoorsman, I have a vested interest in maintaining the health of our public and private lands.” Jacob said that his plan started coming together his sophomore year when he obtained a position working for the Coos Watershed Association. As a member of the restoration crew, he was fortunate to get exposure to several facets of natural resource management which included meeting with resource professionals to learn about career options in many areas such as riparian restoration, invasive species removal, tool safety/maintenance, construction, and public relations. This experience solidified his career choice. Jacob will be attending Southwestern Oregon Community College and then transfer to the Oregon State University’s College of Forestry. 
     

  • STEVEN MOSS – Oakland, OR. Steven grew up in Coos County. After high school he served in the U.S. Navy. He says “My service to the country has taught me commitment and dedication to keep on track with tasks. These characteristics ensure a high priority of academic excellence to meet my personal and professional goals in natural resources.” Steven says he has a passion for natural resources, and it is very important to him that future generations can enjoy the resources afforded to us today. After earning his degree, he plans on starting a career as a wildlife biologist in southern Oregon.

Photo Credit:  Paul Beck​